KMC to solarise its markets, hike rents

Mayor Karachi, Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that the markets of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will be solarised starting from Bahadur Shah Zafar Market located in the old city area of Rambagh Quarter near MA Jinnah Road. The market is hub of stitching and tailoring supplies.

Wahab, presiding over the Estate Department meeting, directed the department to achieve Rs315 million revenue target for 2024-25 which was Rs25 higher than that of 2023-24. Mayor also directed the Estate Department that the rent of shops in KMC markets, which currently have an 11-month lease, should be increased based on the market value.

He asserted that the records of Bahadur Shah Zafar Market, Machhi Miani Market, Muhammad Ali Miani Market and the Empress Market and other matters should be computerised as soon as possible.

He said that there were more than 9,000 shops in KMC markets located on prime locations. However, the tenants were paying negligible rents decided in 1950s and 60s when these markets were first constructed. Hence, an increase in rent collection from these markets was inevitable.

Public toilets

Wahab said that there are no public toilets in the city, due to which the citizens, especially women and the elderly, have to face serious problems. He directed Estate Department DG to establish KMC Kiosks on Shahrea Faisal, MA Jinnah Road, II Chundrigar Road and Pakistan Highway, where washroom, sitting area and tea, coffee and other refreshments would be available for the citizens.